UCL project helps lonely kids through gardening and art activities

Loneliness is a significant issue among young people in the UK, with 11.3% of children aged 10 to 15 reporting frequent feelings of loneliness, a figure that rises in urban areas and among disadvantaged groups. In response, a new four-year initiative led by University College London aims to address this problem by working with schools to identify children aged nine to 13 who experience loneliness or isolation. The project will involve a link worker who will engage with these children over six to eight sessions, focusing on their individual strengths and interests to provide tailored support. The activities offered as part of this program include gardening, fishing, museum visits, and participation in arts and sports clubs. These activities are designed to foster social connections and friendships, which are crucial for healthy adolescent development. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of this social prescribing approach by comparing the wellbeing, loneliness levels, and academic performance of participants with a control group that receives no additional support. The pilot phase of the project is set to begin this year, with 12 primary and secondary schools participating, and plans to expand to 30 schools in the following year. The initiative is particularly important given the rising rates of loneliness among adolescents globally, with a notable increase in feelings of isolation reported in various countries between 2012 and 2018. Ultimately, the project seeks to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of young people, reduce loneliness, and improve academic outcomes, while also assessing the cost-effectiveness of such interventions in addressing these pressing issues.